Hand luggage



Patented Aug. 9, 1938 PATENT oFFlcE HANn LUGGAGE` Joseph H. Plotkin, chicagdfill., assignor to Dresner & Son, Inc., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application February 15, 1937, Serial No. 125,724

1 Claim.

The present invention which relates to hand luggage is concerned with a reinforcing strap ap plied exteriorly to a pair of hinged case sections,

` which permits free swinging movement of the strap, but without bending thereof, through 180 or so, according to the wishes of the user. Additionally, my invention is directed to the employment of certain fittings in connection with such a link joint by which the strap ends are secured thereto simply, effectively and compactly.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a traveling case of the Gladstone type to which is shown applied two straps, each having the link joint feature of this invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged View in elevation, partly in section along line 2--2 of Fig. 3, showing the secured end of one strap in which is interposed the link joint;

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale, taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a transverse section through the strap and attached clip, taken on line 4--4 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary end elevation of the bag, showing the full length of the strap in its reinforcing position.

The traveling bag shown by Way of example is of the Gladstone type, comprising a pair of case sections A and B hinged along the bottom. Extending upwardly from the top of the case is a handle I-I having a connection with one case section. The walls of the case, particularly the top, bottom and ends, may be somewhat flexible so that exterior reinforcement is highly desirable, particularly when a full or heavy load is to be packed within the case. In the present construction these reinforcements take the form of straps, preferably two in number, and both alike so that the ensuing description of one will suffice.

Secured to one outer case wall is a strap end which may be a tab 5 of leather or like material. The upper end of this tab which is in the form of a tongue 1 li-es about even with the top edge 6 of the case. As shown best in Figs. 3 and 4,

(Cl. IBO- 41) the tab may comprise two plies of leather or other suitable material having a combined thickness which is relatively thin. Although flexible, the laminated construction of such a strap, as well as its own body, resists bending through a short radius. Fitted over opposite faces of the tongue of the tab are the two ends 8 and 9 of a plate C which is looped around one straight bar I of a link L. The two ends of the'plate which may, if desired, be flanged at ll, are spaced apart a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the tongue so as to closely engage its opposite faces. When so positioned, one or more pins I2 may be inserted through the tongue and engaging plates whereby to interconnect the link, clip and tongue.

It will be observed from Fig. 3 that the link lies substantially at the top edge 6 of the bag. The link may accordingly swing freely over this edge, or oppositely to a down position as indicated by dotted lines. Fitted around the opposite straight bar I of the link is a second clip C' also in the form of a plate having ends I8 and I9 which extend along opposite faces of a strap S, preferably laminated as already described, whose end is received within the clip to be secured thereto as by means of pins 2l. The two clips C and C as well as the manner of their connections with the associated tongue and strap, may be identical.

The strap is of a length sufficient to overlie the bag top and extend down upon the opposite side thereof where I have affixed a buckle 22 with which the strap may adjustably connect. In use the strap will be tightened across the top of the bag, as much as needed, whereby to secure the two case sections together irrespective of the hold therebetween that may be effected by latches a and bl.

A very important advantage follows from the use of a link joint of the kind described at a point adjacent the top edge of the bag. Suchra joint may swing freely through nearly 180, and in any such position the associated strap ends will remain perfectly straight. The pull upon the strap is accordingly in a straight line and there is no bending strain upon the strap such as results from its being looped through 180 or so in connecting'with an associated part. 'I'his makes for greater compactness, and strength as well. In addition, the strap may be swung freely from its reinforcing position, as shown in Fig. 1, to an opposite position as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. A3 where the strap is completely out of the Way. This latter position is particularly desirable when the case is to 'be opened and access to the interior is desired. In such circumstances the strap may remain entirely straight, free of any strain such as must occur if the strap be bent to any extent out of a straight line.

I claim:

In a luggage bag having two hingedly connected case sections, a handle aixed to one case section, and a pair of relatively short straps connecting said case sections together, the improvement comprising, a strap end connection for each strap in the form of a tab permanently secured to the outer Vertical Wall of one case section adjacent the upper edge thereof, said tab having a relatively short free end portion terminating substantially ush with the upper edge of said case section, a plate bent upon itself to embrace the free end portion of said tab and provide a loop therebeyond, a plate bent upon itself over one end of each of said pair of straps and secured thereto to provide a loop therebeyond, and a link having a pair of parallel spaced bars extending through the loop extensions of each strap and tab and providing a fixed hinge connection at the upper edge of one case section from which said pair of relatively short straps may be swung to lie parallel with the right angularly disposed sides of said luggage bag from their connection with said bag.

JOSEPH H. PLOTKIN. 

